It’s a relatively slow day on the transfer news and rumors front, but since it’s a Monday, that may be something to be expected.
Nonetheless, there’s still a little something from here and a little something from there to give you your transfer gossip fix today.
England
Terry To Address Rumors?
Chelsea captain John Terry is expected to issue a statement to address his future, which has been the target of speculation with Manchester City’s persistent interest in him. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: I think he’ll end up staying at Chelsea when all’s said and done, but how much longer will Mr. Chelsea stay that way? It seems like City’s interest has gotten him thinking at the very least, and with him edging ever closer to 30, he might look to explore opportunities if they come his way next summer.
Arsenal Target Gignac?
Arsenal are considering a bid for Toulouse striker Andre-Pierre Gignac, though the 23-year-old could cost the Gunners £18m. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: Arsenal were able to talk Zenit St. Petersburg down from their original asking price for Andrei Arshavin, so don’t doubt their bargaining powers. However, seeing as how Lyon had a bid of £13m turned away, they may well have a hard time trying to knock more than a few million off the price, if anything at all.
City Up Lescott Offer
Manchester City are set to up their offer for Everton defender Joleon Lescott to £18m, and they want to offer the 26-year-old £100k per week, which would more than double his current salary. (The Mirror)
Analysis: Still short of what Everton would consider, but if City keep pushing the number higher and above the 20m mark, it might be a little hard to turn down. If things don’t go their way with Terry, that could see their interest in Lescott intensified, and they could have the mindset that repeated bids could force Everton’s hand, whether by the amounts themselves (and their unrelenting interest) or by an unsettled Lescott requesting a move.
Tottenham Close On Sheffield United Duo?
Tottenham are close to capturing Sheffield United’s Kyle Naughton and Kyle Walker in an £11m double deal. (The Mirror)
Analysis: Everton don’t look like giving up on Naughton, so this one doesn’t look to be over just yet.
Fulham’s Second Greening Bid Rejected
After making one failed bid for West Brom midfielder Jonathan Greening, Fulham have had a second bid of £3.25m turned down by the Baggies. (ESPN Soccernet)
Analysis: Understandable that he’d want to be able to continue playing in the Premier League, and he’d be a quality signing if Fulham can land him. Might well cost them at least double their original cash bid) if West Brom are willing to sell, and if it does, it would represent a more than triple profit from their purchase of Greening in 2004.
Korean Winger Set For Bolton Talks
Bolton are close on a £2m deal for FC Seoul winger Lee Chung-Yong. The 21-year-old South Korea international was set to fly to England for contract negotiations and a medical. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: Here’s a little highlight video of him, via YouTube. Looks to be a pretty promising talent, and he’s already got a nice amount of international experience under his belt. Could prove to be a big bargain for Bolton if he pans out in the Premier League.
Hull After Voronin
Hull could make a loan move for Liverpool striker Andriy Voronin. (The Mirror)
Analysis: I’d have to say that Voronin’s a much better option than Bobby Zamora, but he might prefer to try to carve out a place for himself at Liverpool rather than join a battle for survival.
Italy
Juventus Move For Caceres
Juventus have confirmed their interest in Barcelona defender Martin Caceres, and the two parties could be set to work out a loan deal for the 22-year-old. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: You’d think that Barcelona would look to hold on to him so that they can have him in case of injury problems and to maintain quality depth at the back, but a move to Juventus would allow him the chance to flourish, earn experience in one of Europe’s top league and in the Champions League, and put himself in position to figure more prominently for Barca come the 2010/11 season.
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